Your Name ______________________________________
Guided Notes: Understanding the Start of World War I
These guided notes are designed to help students follow along with the video and fill in
the blanks as they watch. Fill in the blanks as you watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd2ch4XV84s
1. Most historians agree that the event that sparked World War I was
_______________________________.
2. Beyond the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, there's disagreement about
_______________________________.
3. Understanding why a historical event happened involves examining
_______________________________.
4. Alternate history novels explore what might have happened if
___________________________________.
5. The main question addressed in the video is _______________________________.
6. All wars start with a breakdown in _______________________________ between
belligerents.
7. World War I began with the assassination of _______________________________ in
Sarajevo.
8. Franz Ferdinand's visit to Bosnia coincided with _______________________________.
9. The assassins targeted Franz Ferdinand because he was
_______________________________.
10. Despite not being well-liked, Franz Ferdinand was considered a
_______________________________.
11. The assassination of moderates can lead to _______________________________.
12. Austria-Hungary felt compelled to act to prevent _______________________________.
13. There's debate about whether Princip and his accomplices acted
_______________________________.
14. The Austrians believed there was broader involvement, leading to
_______________________________.
15. Austria issued an ultimatum to Serbia on _______________________________.
16. Austria sought assurance from _______________________________ before taking
action against Serbia.
17. The "blank check" was a promise from _______________________________ to support
Austria.
18. Russia's declaration of readiness for war preceded
_______________________________.
19. Germany's actions triggered declarations of war by
_______________________________.
20. The major powers involved in World War I were officially at war by
_______________________________.
21. The war began with localized conflicts but quickly escalated due to
_______________________________.
22. The significance of June and July 1914 in human history was
___________________________________.
23. Considering historical decisions reminds us that
___________________________________.
How World War I Started: Crash Course World History 209
Answer these questions about the video/notes.
1. What is the main focus of the Crash Course World History video mentioned in the
video?
a. The Second World War
b. The Industrial Revolution
c. The First World War
d. The Cold War
2. Why is the First World War considered important?
a. Due to advancements in technology
b. Because of its impact on global trade
c. It led to the rise of nation-states
d. It had no significant importance
3. Who was mentioned as the person whose assassination is believed to have triggered
the First World War?
a. Archduke François-Ferdinand of Austria
b. Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany
c. Tsar Nicholas II of Russia
d. Prime Minister David Lloyd George of UK
4. How did the event of the Archduke's assassination in Sarajevo contribute to the
outbreak of the First World War?
a. By causing widespread protests in Europe
b. By leading to increased diplomatic tensions
c. By triggering economic turmoil
d. By resulting in immediate peace talks
5. Which group was Princip, the assassin of Archduke François-Ferdinand, associated
with?
a. The Blue Hands
b. The Red Circle
c. The Black Hand
d. The White Gloves
6. What did the Austrian government believe regarding a broader involvement in the
assassination plot?
a. There was no involvement beyond the assassin
b. The Serbian government orchestrated the plot
c. They suspected Russian spies
d. It was orchestrated by internal rebels
7. What diplomatic relationship led to Germany's involvement in supporting
Austria-Hungary at the beginning of the war?
a. Treaty with France
b. Alliance with Russia
c. Agreement with UK
d. Pact with Serbia
8. When did France officially mobilize its forces in the context of the events leading to
the First World War?
a. July 25
b. July 31
c. August 1
d. August 4
9. How was the involvement of the UK in the war triggered according to the transcript?
a. France's request for help
b. Violation of Belgian neutrality
c. German naval blockade
d. The Russian invasion of Poland
10. What marked the official beginning of the involvement of major powers in the First
World War as per the transcript?
a. Declaration of peace talks
b. Signing of the Treaty of Versailles
c. Initial military engagements
d. The declaration of war among nations